Mercedes GLC SUV officially teased

The first official sketch of Mercedes’ upcoming GLC SUV is here. To be showcased for the first time ever in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Mercedes GLC SUV replaces the not-for India Mercedes GLK SUV and like its predecessor, will be positioned below the M-class (now GLE-class SUV).

Unlike the GLK SUV that it replaces, the new Mercedes GLC will be produced in both left and right-hand drive configuration, which means there is a possibility of it hitting Indian shores too. When launched, the Mercedes GLC SUV will rival the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The Mercedes GLC line-up will also have a sportier GLC Coupe that is expected to compete with the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X4 SUVs globally. The GLC-based coupe is likely to be unveiled next year.

The Mercedes GLC SUV features styling cues found on most modern-day Mercedes offerings, such as the soft-nosed grille and headlight styling. The overall look is more rounded and is in-line with the current-generation Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up. A five-seat cabin is standard and will share most materials from the C-class sedan.

Globally, the Mercedes GLC SUV will be powered by a range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engines. There will be a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel on offer as well which is likely to be sold in India. Transmission choices will be a seven-speed automatic or a nine-speed unit depending on the engine. Mercedes will also add a petrol-electric hybrid variant called the GLC350e, which will share the same powertrain as in the recently unveiled C350e for international markets.

Like the rest of the Mercedes SUVs, the GLC will also come in AMG high-performance variants, expected to be launched globally in two states of tune. The lower one will be the GLC450 Sport equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged motor good for 362bhp. There will be a GLC63 AMG also on offer, powered by a 469bhp 4.0-litre V8 and the S version with an even more-powerful 503bhp motor.